One of the most common concerns whenever the Wemo light switch comes to mind is the Wemo App failing to detect the light. This can be devastating when you need to use the light urgently. You need to understand why this could happen and, even more importantly, have a way of fixing it.
One blanket solution would be restarting the app and light, as this resets and restores everything. However, it doesn’t always work, and this is when you need to reboot the router and uninstall the Wemo app before reinstalling it again. These are a few fixes that can help you regain control of your Wemo light switch.
But there is more to understand before investing in the light switch. If you already own one, you must understand what is expected of you. I shall explore some of the best troubleshooting measures you must learn.
Why is the Wemo Light Switch Not Detected
1. The Switch Does not Detect
Refrain from fretting if your switch is not being detected. This may happen for no apparent reason because it is a rather common occurrence. As such, when there is no apparent reason for the mishap, start by restarting the device.
This is the best solution to begin your troubleshooting. The restarting process effectively eliminates the glitch/ bug most of the time. Chances are that you will not come across the error again once you restart.
Fix – Restart the Device
- Start by pressing and holding the Restart/Power button for at least one second before releasing it. If the WiFi indicator button blinks green, you can be sure it has restarted.
- If the restart button does not respond after pressing, you must turn off the circuit breaker. You need to wait for a few seconds before turning it back on. You then need to restart the device once more. This should be a chance for the problem to fix itself.
If things remain unchanged, move to the next step.
2. WiFi Malfunctions
If the first attempt does not allow the app to detect the switch, you better check your WiFi. There is a possibility that something is wrong with your WiFi and that it needs to be fixed immediately. Make sure that the WiFi connectivity is as expected.
Fix – Make Sure Wifi Works
- You need to reboot your router. Start by unplugging it from the power source and plugging it back after some time.
- Then check the mobile device, primarily where the app is installed, and ensure it is connected to a 2.4GHz network. Note that this is the only band on which the Wemo light switch works.
- If not connected, go to the setting and check. Turn on the recommended band and set the router to operate on this network band only. You may have to refer to your router’s manual to do this correctly, especially if you have never done this before.
3. Failure to Install New Updates
You can also encounter this problem if the Wemo app firmware or the light switch needs to be updated. You need to keep up with the updates with each passing day. This means you should constantly check for new updates and install them as needed.
Fix – Install New Updates as they Arise.
- Check for the Wemo app by visiting the app store or an equivalent store, depending on your Device. You need to check if the device or the app needs to be updated.
- Next, tap the update button to update the app and device as needed. This may be the only way to update them with the latest state.
- You should then tap on the update button to complete the process of updating.
- Alternatively, you can uninstall it before installing the app again, as this is the easiest way to get the latest update on the app and the device.
- After these updates, check the Wemo light switch for updates. There will always be a firmware update available for you to install. You need to tap the notification that requires you to follow the prompt. If you do this right, you only need to follow the instructions that follow the firmware light update. You can also proceed without following the prompts.
- Open the Wemo app on the phone and tap the section, More, located at the bottom right-hand corner. This applies to iPhones. You need to tap on the gear icon for Androids. This is found in the left-hand corner.
- Next, tap on the firmware update, and if any exists, you should see the ‘Get Update.’ From here, you can then follow the process to update the firmware.
4. The Switch Needs a Factory Reset
Restarting the Wemo app and device will likely take care of the glitches. However, it is not always enough, so you may need to consider a factory reset.
However, you need to know that factory reset will eliminate all previous settings. This means that you will need to start with the device from scratch. You must reset the Wemo light switch through the app. Alternatively, you can always use the rest button for a quicker result.
Fix – Work on Factory Reseting the app and device
- Start by pressing and holding the restart button for a second and then release it. Your WiFi indicator should indicate that the device is restraining which is seen when the indicator blinks green.
- Once done, press and hold on the Reset button immediately. This is also known as the WiFi reset button. Hold and press for 5 seconds. If the Light Switch icon blinks orange, then this indicates a success in resetting. If this fails, you may have to repeat the procedure until you get it right.
- If the device fails to respond when the Restart button is used, you must turn it off using the circuit breaker and then turn it back on. The Wemo switch panel will take about 90 seconds before it ultimately rests. Once the process is complete, your WiFi indicator will begin alternating from green to orange as a sign that your device is ready to be set up. If you are unsure how to set up the Wemo light switch after you have restored the factory setting, try something else.
5. The Wemo Light Switch is not Connected to WiFi, and the Wemo App
To set the Wemo light switch through the Wemo app or using WiFi, you must ensure the switch is installed correctly. This means that the WiFi or the internet connection must always be active. It is also crucial that you know both the device and WiFi passwords.
You also require a compatible smartphone, preferably one iOS 9.0 and higher. An Android 4.4 or higher will also work. Having said this, you must integrate the Wemo light switch with the app if you want to access it remotely.
Fix – Connect the Switch to the App and WiFi
- You need to install the Wemo app into your device, in this case, the smartphone. Depending on your device, you can download the app on the App Store or Google Play.
- Next, you must switch on the phone’s WiFi and ensure it is connected to the home WiFi. Also, realize that the Wemo light switch can stay connected if you use a 2.4GHz band.
- Next, you need to find the light switch WiFi name. If you do not change the WiFi name, then it will light.
- Make sure to connect the Wemo Light Switch and proceed to launch the app. Tap on NEXT, and then Let’s Get Started on the screen. Next, you have to key in your email address before tapping NEXT.
- You should then choose the WiFi name and key in the password. You must wait seconds for the app to connect to your WiFi. If it takes too long to connect to the WiFi, refresh your phone and retry connecting.
- When it connects to the WiFi, you will gain a remote access message on the screen. This means the Wemo App will search and display the Wemo Light Switch and other available devices.
Once the setup is done, proceed to tap on the pencil Icon. You can then choose the Wemo light switch and then customize it accordingly. Next, change the name, device, and anything else you wish. At this point, it is also possible to develop newer schedules for the Wemo Light Switch using the Wemo app on the smart device.
Try as many solutions as possible before deciding which one works. Fortunately, most of the issues can be resolved after troubleshooting.